Kenyan hip hop
Encyclopedia
Kenyan hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop music
that has become very popular among local youth. Some artists generally classified as Kenyan hip hop may not have much to do with hip hop in its strict sense. Mixing of Swahili
, English and tribal languages is common. Sheng is also commonly used in Kenyan hip hop songs.
Jimmy Gathu was one of the earliest known rappers on the Kenyan scene with his hit song "Look, Think, Stay Alive" released in 1991, a song dealing with road safety. However, the first major commercial hip hop hit came in 1996 with Uhiki by Hardstone
(Harrison Ngunjiri) which sampled a Kikuyu folk song and Marvin Gaye
's sexual Healing
of the then Audio Vault Studios (now, Blue Zebra). Other popular pioneering acts were Kalamashaka
with their national hit "Tafsiri Hii" , K-South
with "Nyabaga Kodo Gakwa," (which was also sampled from a Kikuyu folk song like Uhiki by Hardstone) and also the late Poxi Presha
with his break out hit "Dhako Kelo" . Gidi Gidi Maji Maji
emerged in 1999 with their hit "Ting Badi Malo" and released the debut album, "Ismarwa" the following year. They went on to released their popular and politically charged hit Unbwogable in 2002. Other emerging styles are R&B style music, as sung by female singer Mercy Myra
.
Into the new millennium, many new groups and solo artists have emerged and the scene musically diversified. Some of the most famous artists are Necessary Noize
, Redsan
, Nameless
, Nonini
, E-Sir
and Wawesh
, among others.
, Samawati Studios, Blu Zebra among others. The music industry continues to grow with different production houses developing distinguishing sounds. There is Ogopa DJ's who term their style of music as "boomba" or "Kapuka" while Calif Records initiated a new style known as Genge
. Most of these sub-genres differ very slightly, sonically; however coinage gives the music a localized identity which adds a little spice. Genge, which roughly translates to 'large crowd of people,' reinforces a foundational ethos of hip hop as a music for and by the people. In this context, production and consumption are closely connected and symbiotic (much more than other mainstream international music) in the sense that producers emphasize the importance of local politics and culture rather than simply striving for profit maximization. Although, the motive of production seems to highlight local culture and community, Kenyan hip hop similarly to hip hop more generally battles the more individualistic forces of technology and musicianship.
Technology, more specifically the internet, is a vehicle for growth and enrichment of the principles of hip hop and local, indigenous culture and community. Even though the internet clearly advocates for the globalization of hip hop culture, the internet itself can serve as a sort of cultural homogenization or Americanization especially within cultures that lack technological advancement. Keeping this in mind, many local Kenyan artists are essentially forced to jump on the technological bandwagon in order to compete and even participate at all. While traditional forms of hip hop culture stem from a resistance to socio-political hegemony and therefore an acculturation of the collective unit (i.e. family, community, society), more recent images of gangster rap and the social realities that follow along with it elucidate a more individualistic, violent form.
Furthermore the production of hip hop in Nairobi is all about taking the original form of hip hop songs and lyrics and mixing it to a more local version that can relate to the audience. They are actively and tangibly taking commodified music, putting it on a turntable and reinserting their changes on its form.
Another article titled hip hop scene argues that Kenyan hip hop scene popularity is increasing and it constantly working towards producing Kenyan rap that draws its inspiration from American and hip hop reggae. Kenyan hip hop is also produced outside of Kenya by members of the dispora. One example is Social Misfit Entertainment, a management, production and recording label formed in January 1998 in the UK. Social Misfit Entertainment is managed by Patrick Waweru (aka Sir Prestige). Waweru was born in Nakuru and immigrated to London from Nairobi mid-1986.
In addition to what has been mentioned above, the show by Mwafrika was stopped for several reasons. His show was strictly targeting consumers/fans who were really interested in what one would call ‘underground hiphop’, specifically one that is hardcore. Despite the fact that his music/show was not associated with women, alcohol and all the bragging that is inevitable by most, especially male, rappers, he did not quite satisfy the taste of the average Kenyan hip hop
consumer. Thus did not get enough support for his show not to mention, no one really understood his motives. According to some sources like the one below, it should however still be noted that despite Mwafrika’s Da Joint being stopped, he is still viewed as a huge icon/crucial ingredient to history of Kenyan Hip hop
. The radio played an important role in promoting Mwafrika’s mission as it still does with other rappers in today’s Kenya
. The radio is also a tool used to reach out to several people in Kenya
. In other words, Hip hop
is spread to other people in Kenya
through use of the radio. According to Rebensdorf Alicia, in her article under the section pertaining to Hip hop
, the internet
and the capital Nairobi
she justifies the view that the radio has and still is a huge catalyst to the growth of Hip hop
in Kenya
.
, born Simon Kimani grew up in Inglewood, California
where he was running with the wrong crowd. As a result of his “naughtiness”, he was sent back to his homeland, Kenya to get his life sorted out. There he continued with hip hop music and realized that he could actually use this music to report the angst and insecurity that many Kenyan youths were going through. Kalamashaka who are hailed as the pioneers of Kenyan hip hop, they are also a part of the founders of the Mau Mau Ukoo Flani collective of musicians, Abbas aka Doobiez, Muki Garang, Walanguzi, Smoggies just to name a few.
Rising groups include the Kenyan rapper Mwafrika, who now tours worldwide. He partnered with K'naan
on the song "African Way" on K'naan's The Dusty Foot Philosopher
album.
which is now based in New York
and worn by the likes of Jay-Z
, and was founded by a Kenyan born and raised designer. Another is MAU MAU University Clothing Co. founded by hip hop entrepreneur Kevin Ombija. His t shirts have developed a cult following in Kenya and with Kenyans abroad. Set to be developed as a fully fledged clothing brand from 2007. Other notable Kenyan hip hop fashion brands include Fundi Frank, Stitch Styles and Ruff Wear. Another notable style that youth, especially those who are influenced by hip-hop, is the wearing of brand name clothing or clothing with brands labeled on them. One example would be Lacoste, which is now a world-wide status symbol. Another is Tusker
, an east African liquor that has its brand now pasted on many shirts, making this style a Kenyan original.
and the Chaguo La Teeniez Awards
(CHAT Awards). The Groove Awards are for songs in the gospel category.
Jeff Chang
, in an essay about global hip-hop for Foreign Policy
magazine, discusses the conflict between marketing of local artists and global (mainly American) ones. Local, socially conscious music is supported by communities themselves, by organizations such as Words and Pictures, which attempts to build connections between hip-hop artists, and by media such as MTV Base
Africa, which endeavors to have half of its programming be African. On the other hand, local and foreign-owned radio stations tend to play and market American rap, like 50 Cent
, a fact that many Kenyans resent . One such station, British Capital FM
, features Kenyan media on its site, but lists many American artists, such as Lil Wayne
, on its top ten list .
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
that has become very popular among local youth. Some artists generally classified as Kenyan hip hop may not have much to do with hip hop in its strict sense. Mixing of Swahili
Swahili language
Swahili or Kiswahili is a Bantu language spoken by various ethnic groups that inhabit several large stretches of the Mozambique Channel coastline from northern Kenya to northern Mozambique, including the Comoro Islands. It is also spoken by ethnic minority groups in Somalia...
, English and tribal languages is common. Sheng is also commonly used in Kenyan hip hop songs.
Development of the style
Early Kenyan hip-hop imitated the styles of the United States, wearing American clothes and rapping in English. According to the documentary “Hip-Hop Colony,” the beginnings of Kenyan hip-hop were like a “new breed of colonialism,” transplanting the original styles from the Westernized world to Africa. But unlike colonialism, Kenya has embraced hip-hop and made it their own. Since its explosion in the mid-1990s, Kenyan hip-hop is now generally written and performed not only in English but also in Swahili and in Sheng, a slang combination of the two.Jimmy Gathu was one of the earliest known rappers on the Kenyan scene with his hit song "Look, Think, Stay Alive" released in 1991, a song dealing with road safety. However, the first major commercial hip hop hit came in 1996 with Uhiki by Hardstone
Hardstone
Hardstone is a Kenyan musician. His music is a mixture of ragga, reggae and hiphop. He sings in English, Swahili and Kikuyu languages...
(Harrison Ngunjiri) which sampled a Kikuyu folk song and Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
's sexual Healing
Sexual Healing
"Sexual Healing" is a 1982 song recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye on the Columbia Records label. It was his first single since his exit from his long-term record label Motown earlier in the year, following the release of the In Our Lifetime album the previous year...
Tedd Josiah
Tedd Josiah is a music producer from Kenya. He started as a musician, first briefly with the group Ebony Affair before forming a new group, Hart in 1993. The group was disbanded in 1995 and Josiah joined Sync Sound Studios as a producer. In 1999 he left Sync Sound Studios and formed Audio Vault...
of the then Audio Vault Studios (now, Blue Zebra). Other popular pioneering acts were Kalamashaka
Kalamashaka
Kalamashaka is a hip hop group based in Dandora, a ghetto estate in Nairobi, Kenya. It comprises three members: Oteraw, Kama and Johny. The group was formed in the mid 90's. They became popular with Tafsiri Hii hit in 1997...
with their national hit "Tafsiri Hii" , K-South
K-South
K-South is a hip hop production company who are among the pioneers of hip hop in Kenya. The group composed of two members, Bamboo KC and Doobeez , now Abbas. K-South was founded in 1995. Their name is an abbreviation of Kariobangi South, an estate in Nairobi where they were based...
with "Nyabaga Kodo Gakwa," (which was also sampled from a Kikuyu folk song like Uhiki by Hardstone) and also the late Poxi Presha
Poxi Presha
Poxi Presha , real name Prechard Pouka Olang, was a pioneer Kenyan rapper. He emerged in the mid 90's with hip hop sung in Dholuo language ....
with his break out hit "Dhako Kelo" . Gidi Gidi Maji Maji
Gidi Gidi Maji Maji
Gidi Gidi Maji Maji is a Kenyan hip hop duo from Nairobi. Its two members are Maji Maji and Gidi Gidi . Their lyrics are mostly in Luo language, with some English and Swahili. Unlike most local hip hop artists, GidiGidi MajiMaji do willingly mix African rhythms with their music...
emerged in 1999 with their hit "Ting Badi Malo" and released the debut album, "Ismarwa" the following year. They went on to released their popular and politically charged hit Unbwogable in 2002. Other emerging styles are R&B style music, as sung by female singer Mercy Myra
Mercy Myra
- Biography :In 1996, she joined the Calabash Band but left it the next year to join the R&B group Destinee and in 1997 she joined a band called Black Ice...
.
Into the new millennium, many new groups and solo artists have emerged and the scene musically diversified. Some of the most famous artists are Necessary Noize
Necessary Noize
-Origins and Original Members:It was originally composed of female MC/singer Nazizi Hirji, singer Kevin Wyre and rapper Bamzigi, though Bamzigi later left due to personal and label disputes. The group was formed in October 2000 and released their self-titled debut album in 2000 under Audio Vault...
, Redsan
Redsan
Redsan is a reggae and ragga musician from Kenya.- Biography :His first album, Seasons of the San was released in 2002 under Ogopa DJ's label. Best known tracks on the album are "Julie" and "Wanipa Raha"....
, Nameless
David Mathenge
David Mathenge , better known by his stage name Nameless, is a Kenyan pop artist.- Biography :Mathenge was educated at Strathmore School, He rose to fame in 1999 through a star-search contest on Kenya's urban music station 98.4 Capital FM, which he won with his original song "Megarider." The song...
, Nonini
Nonini
Nonini , whose real name is Hubert Nakitare, is a Kenyan hip hop artist.- Biography :Nonini originally signed to Calif Records, but later joined Homeboyz Productions...
, E-Sir
E-Sir
Born Issah Mmari, on May 20, 1981 in California Estate, and raised in South c estate Nairobi, Kenya, E-Sir was a Kenyan hip hop artist signed to the Ogopa DJs label who was famous for his deft lyrical ability and command of the Swahili language. He is still widely regarded as one the best rappers...
and Wawesh
Wawesh
Wawesh is a hip-hop artist and producer from Kenya. The Sweden-based MC has been creating a buzz in Swahili-speaking communities in Eastern Africa and the Diaspora via his three consecutive hit singles plus highly acclaimed debut album, “It’s Meant To Be”.He started as a producer in 1993.Under his...
, among others.
Production
Most artists affiliate themselves with a production house which serves the same function as a record company. Some popular production houses include Ogopa DJ's, Homeboyz, Mandugu Digital, Calif RecordsCalif Records
Calif Records is a Kenyan record label based in Nairobi's California estate. Its known to be home to Genge, a genre of music popular with young people. It was founded in 2000 by record executive & producer Clement "Clemo" Rapudo together with his childhood friend Paul Nunda a.k.a. Juacali...
, Samawati Studios, Blu Zebra among others. The music industry continues to grow with different production houses developing distinguishing sounds. There is Ogopa DJ's who term their style of music as "boomba" or "Kapuka" while Calif Records initiated a new style known as Genge
Genge
Genge music, or simply Genge, is a genre of hip hop music that had its beginnings in Nairobi, Kenya. The name was coined by Clemo and popularized by Kenyan rappers Jua Cali and Nonini who started off at Calif Records. It is a style that incorporates hip hop, dancehall and traditional African music...
. Most of these sub-genres differ very slightly, sonically; however coinage gives the music a localized identity which adds a little spice. Genge, which roughly translates to 'large crowd of people,' reinforces a foundational ethos of hip hop as a music for and by the people. In this context, production and consumption are closely connected and symbiotic (much more than other mainstream international music) in the sense that producers emphasize the importance of local politics and culture rather than simply striving for profit maximization. Although, the motive of production seems to highlight local culture and community, Kenyan hip hop similarly to hip hop more generally battles the more individualistic forces of technology and musicianship.
Technology, more specifically the internet, is a vehicle for growth and enrichment of the principles of hip hop and local, indigenous culture and community. Even though the internet clearly advocates for the globalization of hip hop culture, the internet itself can serve as a sort of cultural homogenization or Americanization especially within cultures that lack technological advancement. Keeping this in mind, many local Kenyan artists are essentially forced to jump on the technological bandwagon in order to compete and even participate at all. While traditional forms of hip hop culture stem from a resistance to socio-political hegemony and therefore an acculturation of the collective unit (i.e. family, community, society), more recent images of gangster rap and the social realities that follow along with it elucidate a more individualistic, violent form.
Furthermore the production of hip hop in Nairobi is all about taking the original form of hip hop songs and lyrics and mixing it to a more local version that can relate to the audience. They are actively and tangibly taking commodified music, putting it on a turntable and reinserting their changes on its form.
Another article titled hip hop scene argues that Kenyan hip hop scene popularity is increasing and it constantly working towards producing Kenyan rap that draws its inspiration from American and hip hop reggae. Kenyan hip hop is also produced outside of Kenya by members of the dispora. One example is Social Misfit Entertainment, a management, production and recording label formed in January 1998 in the UK. Social Misfit Entertainment is managed by Patrick Waweru (aka Sir Prestige). Waweru was born in Nakuru and immigrated to London from Nairobi mid-1986.
Radio
Most of the radio stations hardly play hip hop, except on specific times and shows.The first ever hip hop radio show was Wakilisha show hosted by Kalamashaka and DJ Mosse the Darkchild who is currently doing business in Tanzania. The Wakilisha Show was aired every Friday on Nation FM. The other show was called "The Joint" hosted by a rapper by the name of "mwafrika" on the station, Y fm, now Hot96. His show gunnered a huge following in a few months but it was taken off air. Mwafrika is back on air though, with a new station, Ghetto Radio, Nairobi.In addition to what has been mentioned above, the show by Mwafrika was stopped for several reasons. His show was strictly targeting consumers/fans who were really interested in what one would call ‘underground hiphop’, specifically one that is hardcore. Despite the fact that his music/show was not associated with women, alcohol and all the bragging that is inevitable by most, especially male, rappers, he did not quite satisfy the taste of the average Kenyan hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
consumer. Thus did not get enough support for his show not to mention, no one really understood his motives. According to some sources like the one below, it should however still be noted that despite Mwafrika’s Da Joint being stopped, he is still viewed as a huge icon/crucial ingredient to history of Kenyan Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
. The radio played an important role in promoting Mwafrika’s mission as it still does with other rappers in today’s Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
. The radio is also a tool used to reach out to several people in Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
. In other words, Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
is spread to other people in Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
through use of the radio. According to Rebensdorf Alicia, in her article under the section pertaining to Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
, the internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
and the capital Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is...
she justifies the view that the radio has and still is a huge catalyst to the growth of Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
in Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
.
Notable Kenyan Artists
There are plenty of artists who are well known in Kenya for their style and methods of Hip Hop. BambooBamboo (lyricist)
Simon Kimani, more popularly known as Bamboo, is an emcee who represents Kenya and currently lives in New York City. He was raised in Inglewood, California by parents of East African descent, and at the age of 17, his parents sent him to Nairobi, Kenya to eschew the potentially dangerous life they...
, born Simon Kimani grew up in Inglewood, California
Inglewood, California
Inglewood is a city in southwestern Los Angeles County, California, southwest of downtown Los Angeles. It was incorporated on February 14, 1908. Its population stood at 109,673 as of the 2010 Census...
where he was running with the wrong crowd. As a result of his “naughtiness”, he was sent back to his homeland, Kenya to get his life sorted out. There he continued with hip hop music and realized that he could actually use this music to report the angst and insecurity that many Kenyan youths were going through. Kalamashaka who are hailed as the pioneers of Kenyan hip hop, they are also a part of the founders of the Mau Mau Ukoo Flani collective of musicians, Abbas aka Doobiez, Muki Garang, Walanguzi, Smoggies just to name a few.
Rising groups include the Kenyan rapper Mwafrika, who now tours worldwide. He partnered with K'naan
K'naan
K'naan , born Keinan Abdi Warsame in 1978, is a Somali Canadian poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist.-Biography:Born in Somalia, K'naan spent his childhood in Mogadishu and lived there during the Somali Civil War, which began in 1991. His aunt, Magool, was one of Somalia's most...
on the song "African Way" on K'naan's The Dusty Foot Philosopher
The Dusty Foot Philosopher
The Dusty Foot Philosopher is an album by Somali-Canadian rapper K'naan, released by BMG Music on June 7, 2005 in Canada and June 23, 2005 in the United States.-Awards:...
album.
Fashion
Continuing a now common hip hop trend worldwide is the creation of fashion made for Kenyans who love hip hop by Kenyan hip hop fashion designers, the leading brands being Clad Nine and Nairobi Wear based in the USA, both brands were established by two childhood friends who grew up in Nairobi. Another one is Jamhuri wearJamhuri wear
Jamhuri Wear is a Safari Lifestyle African clothing company.-History:Started in New York City in 2003 as a graphic tee shirt line. Jamhuri Wear's logo and name are inspired by the language and landscape of the continent that the brand strives to represent in the clothing world...
which is now based in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and worn by the likes of Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, and was founded by a Kenyan born and raised designer. Another is MAU MAU University Clothing Co. founded by hip hop entrepreneur Kevin Ombija. His t shirts have developed a cult following in Kenya and with Kenyans abroad. Set to be developed as a fully fledged clothing brand from 2007. Other notable Kenyan hip hop fashion brands include Fundi Frank, Stitch Styles and Ruff Wear. Another notable style that youth, especially those who are influenced by hip-hop, is the wearing of brand name clothing or clothing with brands labeled on them. One example would be Lacoste, which is now a world-wide status symbol. Another is Tusker
Tusker
Tusker can mean:* an elephant bearing tusks* an adult male wild boar, particularly the American razorback population* Tusker , a Kenyan beer bottled by East African Breweries...
, an east African liquor that has its brand now pasted on many shirts, making this style a Kenyan original.
Awards
Achievement and contribution to hip hop in Kenya is recognized through the Kisima Music AwardsKisima Music Awards
The Kisima Music Awards is an annual awards program that recognises musical talent in East Africa. Despite being Kenyan-based the scheme awards artists from a variety of countries, predominately Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and incorporates a range of music genres.-History:Named after the Swahili...
and the Chaguo La Teeniez Awards
Chaguo La Teeniez Awards
The Insyder Magazine' Chaguo La Teeniez Awards is a project that seeks to recognise and award Kenyans youth who have made meaningful contribution to our society by excelling in the disciplines of academics, arts and sports...
(CHAT Awards). The Groove Awards are for songs in the gospel category.
Marketing and piracy
Due to the high rates of piracy in Kenya, poor music distribution mechanism, ineffective music copyright policies, and poor marketing, few hip hop artists have been able to make a living from their music. Many artists depend on doing performances to make a living due to the poor music sales, in the case of those who can afford to make a cd. Other artists who do not have the capital to record whole cds make music on a single by single basis. The primary market for Kenyan Hip Hop is composed of relatively privileged youth. This is due to the availability of internet access amongst more privileged youth.Jeff Chang
Jeff Chang (journalist)
Jeff Chang is an American journalist and music critic on hip hop music and culture. His 2005 book, Can't Stop Won't Stop, which chronicles the early hip hop scene, won an American Book Award in 2005...
, in an essay about global hip-hop for Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy is a bimonthly American magazine founded in 1970 by Samuel P. Huntington and Warren Demian Manshel.Originally, the magazine was a quarterly...
magazine, discusses the conflict between marketing of local artists and global (mainly American) ones. Local, socially conscious music is supported by communities themselves, by organizations such as Words and Pictures, which attempts to build connections between hip-hop artists, and by media such as MTV Base
MTV Base
MTV Base is a 24-hour music and general entertainment channel from MTV Networks International. The channel focuses primarily on music from the world of R'n'B, hiphop, reggae, soul and urban. The MTV Base brand first launched in the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland on July 1, 1999,...
Africa, which endeavors to have half of its programming be African. On the other hand, local and foreign-owned radio stations tend to play and market American rap, like 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
, a fact that many Kenyans resent . One such station, British Capital FM
98.4 Capital FM
98.4 Capital FM is a Kenyan urban music radio station. Its offices are situated on the 19th floor of Lonrho House, along Standard Street in Nairobi's Central Business District. It is owned by Chris Kirubi.- Background :...
, features Kenyan media on its site, but lists many American artists, such as Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
, on its top ten list .